Rooney set to come back for Manchester derby - ESPN.co.uk

David Rooney is defined to be fit for Manchester United before Monday's derby against Manchester City after returning to teaching. The England striker is United's history scorer in the fixture with ten targets, including four in the last three, but has missed the Red Devils' last two games with a groin injury sustained on international duty. Rafael da Silva is also in line for a return to the team, and defensive duo Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans could possibly be in contention to figure for United after both sat out the FA Cup quarter-final replay defeat to Chelsea. Right-back Rafael got down, also with a groin problem, in Saturday's 1-0 get at Sunderland and Evans replaced the Brazilian at the Stadium of Light before being hurt himself. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Wayne and Rafa have started teaching today [Thursday] that will be good news. "Hopefully, they will be good by Monday. Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic aren't there yet but, hopefully, they'll begin teaching probably tomorrow or Saturday morning. On our hands to obtain most of the troops ready for the game." we have slightly of time Ferguson believes that conferences with City have changed as United's local rivals have become concept rivals. "It is a derby game with a difference from the couple of years ago," he added. "We have to get used to playing Manchester City in major games and that's the case again. "The thing is to get Monday's game. It'll be a big game for City. They'll wish to come and derail us for a spell. We are in the home and our consistency is there for several to see. I expect us to perform really well on Monday." United have a lead in the title race and have only fallen all year to 13 points, but Ferguson remains defending against complacency and targeting still another win. He said: "We need to congratulate our people on the consistency - to get 25 out of 30 games is really a record and ought to be applauded. It's fantastic. But we've still surely got to get the name. We've seven games left and that is 24 points to play for. "The way we've approached things could be the appropriate way and that's to win another game. Ideally, it will take us to winning the league. It doesn't matter what people say outside the club, it's about what we think in the club. We're always seeking to do our most useful. It is been a great year for us."